Ubicomp: Domestic environments

New Perspectives on Ubiquitous Computing from Ethnographic Study of Elders with Cognitive Decline
Margie Morris, Intel Research

Home health technologies
Focus on cognitive decline in the baby boomer generation
One of the most costly illnesses to treat
Prolong independence
Continue to live life meaningfully
Engaged in life

Research Approach
Home interviews
Contextualized with family and social networks and physical environment

Difference in life a few years ago to the present is striking in some cases

Needs:

- Social Connectedness
Social capital is an important resource for coping
- Technology as social catalyst
- Mood ring – to let someone know how you are feeling
- Ambient interaction environments
- Prototype connects 2 houses – opportune times for connections (e.g. when would be a good time to go for a walk together) – not as explicit of having to place a phone call
- Lowering the barriers to social connectedness
- Early detection
-Narrow the gap between perceived functioning and actual functioning
- Affirming Identity
Continue meaningful activities in the face of handicaps
Lifespan mapping – seeing oneself through time

Embedded Assessment

Individual base lines are established unlike with clinical assessment

Leverage physical artifacts’ inherent meaning (memory cues)
Duct tape used to help manage the dangers of the home
Remote controls – revealing only the necessary buttons, oven

Contextual Prompting

Four Design Principles

1. Connection not replacing people
2. Assessing while helping
3. Adjusting to variability
4. Leveraging everyday interfaces